Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above
Location: Europe, Sweden
GPA: 3.0

Uppsala University Exchange

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at Uppsala University, one of the top 100 universities in the world. Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is a rigorous research university with excellent laboratories and institutes. This program is ideal if you are interested in an intensive study format in many fields of the humanities, natural and social sciences, and business. 

Uppsala is an excellent setting for student life. Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden, only an hour train ride from Sweden's capital, Stockholm; the Baltic Coast and Lake Mälaren are even closer. “Nations” make up a large part of student life at Uppsala. A student “nation” is like a private student union mixed with a co-ed fraternity: each nation has its own building which houses a library, a pub, a coffee shop, and often a ballroom. Members are given discounted prices at the pubs and at special nation events. Each nation has its own distinct culture and traditions, so there is something for everyone. An important part of Swedish everyday life is “fika” which is a lengthy, informal, social coffee break. Although baffling for some Americans, Swedish students spend hours each day in coffee shops with friends, eating and drinking and chatting.
 
Exchange programs differ from other study abroad options and require a high level of independence. University systems outside the US may differ from what you are used to at the UO, both in terms of academic structure and student services. Students most comfortable and successful in these types of programs typically have high levels of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and willingness to adapt to unfamiliar teaching styles and living arrangements.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall/Winter Semester 2027-28 02/01/2027 Late August Mid-January
Academic Year 2027-28 02/01/2027 Late August Early June
Spring Semester 2028 02/01/2027 Mid-January Early June

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

You will be contacted by Uppsala following your initial application during the window of module registration, when specific modules can be requested. You will submit a list of 8 courses in order of preference. Be prepared to show how you are eligible for your selected courses, by providing details from your own transcript.

Note: Since there is no drop/add period at Uppsala, make sure that you have pre-approval from your home University for each course, even the reserve/alternative choices, before submitting your course proposal with Uppsala's application.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Uppsala follows a “module” calendar in which many courses meet intensively for short modules of five weeks, or for ten weeks, allowing for complex but highly flexible scheduling. 

  • Please review the course mapping information on Uppsala's website by using the "Course Mapping" link on the sidebar menu to learn how you will need to plan for your courses.

Course Availability:

Please review the course offerings for exchange students on Uppsala's website using the "Course Search" link on the sidebar menu. You may need to use the current academic year's module list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at Uppsala. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for courses at Uppsala. 

Some restrictions and pre-requisites to be aware of:

Business courses – Prerequisites vary considerably and there is an early application deadline. 

Law courses – At least two years of prior Law studies (full-time). 

Medicine – As clinical courses in Medicine require knowledge of fluent Swedish and are very competitive, these courses rarely accept exchange students. 

Natural Sciences including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering: No entry-level courses are available. 

  • Uppsala offers few lower level courses in English in these areas.
  • Most of the courses have substantial entry requirements and it is very important that you meet the requirements precisely.
  • You must have strong academic backgrounds within these subjects and meet the eligibility requirements described in each course description.  

Note: You should consult with your UO academic advisor before submitting your course enrollment to Uppsala University. There is no add/drop week at Uppsala. The course proposal you submit as part of the host university's application is final.

Credits:

Uppsala uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. A full-time student usually takes 30 ECTS credits per semester. Most modules at Uppsala are worth 4 - 6 ECTS credits. 

ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = 0.75 UO quarter credits. 

To maintain full-time student status at the UO while on a university exchange program, UO students need to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad. 

Additionally, the grading system differs between faculties and disciplinary domains.

Language of Instruction:

Uppsala University offers more than 700 courses taught in English to incoming exchange students. When searching for courses, you will need to set filters in the course search to show courses at Uppsala taught in English. 

You may enroll for courses taught in Swedish if you possess enough Swedish language skills and if places are available. Availability for those course is posted after the national admission process is completed. 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

  • You are encouraged to complete one year of Swedish at the UO before joining this program.
  • At least 20 credits in the area(s) in which you would like to take courses in Uppsala.
  • GPA of 3.5 or above for graduate students. 
     

Housing Description

You may live in a student residence hall in or around Uppsala. You may select from a range of options with varying monthly rents. Rooms are usually single occupancy with a private bath, or one shared with one to three other students. Kitchens are shared with six or more other students and serve as a social gathering place.  Please note that Uppsala University has no halls of residences or other forms of ‘university housing’. All rooms that students live in are regular rooms owned by a variety of different housing companies. 

The Uppsala University Housing Office will assist you in applying for housing. All admitted exchange students that apply for accommodation with the Housing Office at Uppsala by the posted deadline will receive a housing offer.

The Student Union is a good resource if you want to find house independently. 
 
Note: The housing market in Uppsala is highly regulated. Many housing companies require you to register with them and they allocate apartments on the basis of how long you have been waiting – that is, how many “queue days” (swe: ködagar) you have. You should not underestimate how much time and effort it will take you to secure housing. During the beginning of the semester it can even be difficult to find a hostel room. 

Budget and Price

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Uppsala University Exchange

Exchange programs have a fixed program fee that is calculated based on your Oregon residency status and the number of semesters that you spend abroad. Please note that the terms available for each exchange vary based on the university's academic calendar.

Please only include the relevant program fee when determining your estimated total cost of attendance.

2026-27 Fall/Winter Semester

GEO Program Fees
Description Amount
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $5,025
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $12,250
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $543
Estimated Additional Expenses
Description Amount
Estimated Housing** $4,000
Estimated Meals $2,500
Estimated Airfare from Eugene to Helsinki $1,600
Estimated Books and Course Supplies $275
Estimated Cost of Acquiring a Passport $150
Estimated Cell Phone Expenses $250
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated Local Transportation $500
Estimated travel expenses to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated Visa Expenses (if applicable) $250
Estimated Additional Living Expenses*** $2,150
Total
Description Amount
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $18,293
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $25,518

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($3.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

** For more information about estimated housing and living expenses, please visit: https://housingoffice.se/accommodation/exchange-students-master-students/   

*** This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying non-grocery items/toiletries, general health/well-being, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits. This does not include personal travel. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2026-27 Academic Year

GEO Program Fees
Description Amount
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $10,050
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $24,500
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
Estimated UO Insurance* $1,047
Estimated Additional Expenses
Description Amount
Estimated Housing** $8,000
Estimated Meals $5,000
Estimated Airfare from Eugene to Helsinki $1,600
Estimated Books and Course Supplies $550
Estimated Cost of Acquiring a Passport $150
Estimated Cell Phone Expenses $500
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated Local Transportation $1,000
Estimated travel expenses to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated visa expenses (if applicable) $250
Estimated Additional Living Expenses*** $3,900
Total
Description Amount
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $33,597
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $48,047

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($3.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

** For more information about estimated housing and living expenses, please visit: https://housingoffice.se/accommodation/exchange-students-master-students/   

*** This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying non-grocery items/toiletries, general health/well-being, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits. This does not include personal travel. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2027 Spring Semester

GEO Program Fees
Description Amount
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $5,025
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $12,250
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $543
Estimated Additional Expenses
Description Amount
Estimated Housing $4,000
Estimated Meals $2,500
Estimated Airfare from Eugene to Helsinki $1,600
Estimated Books and Course Supplies $275
Estimated Cost of Acquiring a Passport $150
Estimated Cell Phone Expenses $250
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated Local Transportation $500
Estimated travel expenses to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated visa expenses (if applicable) $250
Estimated Additional Living Expenses*** $2,150
Total
Description Amount
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $18,293
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $25,518

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($3.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

** For more information about estimated housing and living expenses, please visit: https://housingoffice.se/accommodation/exchange-students-master-students/   

*** This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying non-grocery items/toiletries, general health/well-being, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits. This does not include personal travel. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

To view the program specific cancellation policy dates and penalties, click the term budget dropdown menu.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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